On Saturday, Israel launched attacks on Gaza, resulting in heavy fighting in the territory where living conditions are deemed “unbearable” by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that more than 35 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on neighborhoods and refugee camps, bringing the total toll to over 37,800 Palestinians killed and nearly 87,000 injured since the ongoing Israeli military attack began on October 7th.
Violent battles between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters occurred in several regions of Gaza on Saturday. In the northern Gaza Strip, Israeli forces advanced into two areas with tank shelling killing at least 11 people. The Israeli military confirmed ongoing operations in Shujaiya neighborhood east of Gaza City, where fighting resulted in casualties. Reports from Arab television showed chaos and fear gripping the population as they sought refuge from bombings. Residents fleeing Shuja’iya neighborhood shared harrowing stories of leaving everything behind to escape with their families.
The conflict has led to significant challenges for medical care for the population due to damage to hospitals in Gaza Strip. According to World Health Organization reports, a majority of hospitals are either damaged or non-operational. The UNRWA condemned the living conditions in Gaza as unbearable, reflecting the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the territory. Despite international efforts to reach a ceasefire and negotiate hostage releases, heavy fighting continues between Israel and Hamas.
